Ogun Lawmaker, Afuape Empowers Abeokuta South Constituents With Buses, Tricycles, Motorcycles, Business Tools

Zainab Abioye

The member representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Afolabi Afuape, has distributed business equipment and other support items to constituents as part of efforts to promote self-employment and strengthen grassroots economic activities in the constituency.

The empowerment programme, which was the third edition, was held on Monday at the Alake Palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with beneficiaries drawn from different sectors, including youths, market women, traders, artisans, students, Community Development Associations and trade groups.

Among the items distributed were buses, tricycles, motorcycles, medium-sized refrigerators, sewing machines, grinding machines, make-up boxes and school bags.

The programme also featured recognition of outstanding students, with certificates of excellence presented to students who distinguished themselves academically.

According to information from the organisers, students in the Arts and Science departments who emerged first, second and third among more than 3,000 participants were recognised for their performance.

Some Community Development Associations that met the specified requirements also received support, while local trade unions were included among the beneficiaries.

The event attracted market women leaders, popularly known as Iyaloja, representatives of the Egba Traditional Council, political stakeholders and other residents from across the federal constituency.

Students who participated in the Afoo Summer Coaching Classes also received cash gifts during the programme.

Afuape said the empowerment initiative was designed to provide beneficiaries with practical tools that could enable them to start new businesses or strengthen existing ventures.

He said the intervention was also intended to encourage self-reliance, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.

The lawmaker described Monday’s programme as the third edition of the empowerment scheme, which has featured different forms of support for residents of the constituency.

Afuape had previously organised empowerment programmes involving cash and business equipment for constituents. In May 2025, for instance, reports indicated that hundreds of beneficiaries received cash and various tools, including motorcycles, sewing machines, refrigerators, grinding machines and other equipment.

Beyond the empowerment activities, the gathering also assumed a political dimension as supporters of the lawmaker used the occasion to mobilise support for his bid to return to the House of Representatives in 2027.

Afuape has previously expressed his intention to seek another term in the National Assembly, saying his ambition would ultimately be determined by the people. He subsequently secured the APC ticket for the Abeokuta South Federal Constituency seat after a competitive party primary. Reports showed that he polled 12,633 votes across the constituency’s 15 wards to defeat four challengers, with his closest rival scoring 760 votes.

At Monday’s event, APC members and supporters called for continued support for the lawmaker ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Afuape also urged residents to participate in the electoral process and called on his supporters to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC’s governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

The lawmaker has previously campaigned for continued support for Tinubu ahead of 2027, urging APC members and eligible voters to participate in registration and other electoral processes.

The latest empowerment programme therefore combined constituency support activities with political mobilisation as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum in Ogun State.